Independent participatory media for Iran

The motion to reduce diplomatic relations with Britain has passed its final hurdle with the approval of the Guardian Council.

As the Islamic Republic’s constitutional watchdog, the council ensures that legislation is in accord with constitutional provisions.

Council spokesman Abbasali Kadkhodayi announced that the motion was in no way counter to Sharia or constitutional provisions.

Hours later, the Foreign Ministry announced that it will begin carrying out the bill, which entails the withdrawal of ambassadors and decreasing relations to the level of charge d’affaires.

The motion follows Britain’s move to boycott all Iranian banks, including the Central Bank.

Iran’s move, however, has offended the British government, which announced that it will have a strong response to the Iranian Parliament’s motion.

That motion does contain a stipulation allowing Iran to reconsider its relations if “the British government’s aggressive actions against Iran” are stopped.

While Iran has not yet replaced its last ambassador to London, British Ambassador Dominick John Chilcot has just begun his mission in Tehran, having recently presented his credentials to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The motion will put an abrupt end to his mission.